Why Study Theology at Saint John's?

The study of theology at Saint John's is unique because the approach is integrative, combining the intellectual study of a wide variety of theological areas with ministerial and spiritual formation. All this happens within a pervasive sense of community; a community bound together by tradition, faith, and a hopeful vision of the future.With roots planted deep in the Christian faith and Catholic heritage, faculty and students can ask passionate and rigorous questions about God, the mysteries of the human person, and the life of the Church.

The fifteen-hundred year-old Benedictine values of community, prayer, and hospitality keep the School grounded and focused in and out of the classroom. Whether a lay student or a candidate for ordination, the goal of study is no less than transformation in Christ. (Susan Wood)

Alternative Learning Opportunities

• Youth in Theology and Ministry (MA in Pastoral Ministry cohort model)
• Basilica
• Distance Learning

To increase the availability of a transformative and collaborative model of theological learning beyond the Collegeville campus, the graduate school provides alternative modes of delivery to increase access to credit-bearing and enrichment courses. These programs are designed to sustain ministers in the field through the development of theological and educational materials which promote post-baptismal catechesis and the continuing transformation of faith The Lifelong Learning and Distance Learning programs extend beyond the bounds of the traditional classroom, offering new opportunities for theological learning and spiritual formation leading to ongoing personal and communal transformation in faith communities.

Lay ministry students and members of parish staffs often find it difficult to engage in a residentially-based degree program for a duration of two to three years. Family obligations or financial constraints often mean that residential programs are not an option. By using information technology, the School of Theology·Seminary implements alternative methods of teaching theological courses to provide greater access for lay ministry students, parish staffs, and other qualified learners.

Creative packaging of educational programs in terms of time, content, and manner of delivery is crucial. The boundaries of the theological classroom can be extended into faith communities, and the vision of transformation in Christ can be taken to where it most properly belongs, into the daily life of Christian believers. These programs create more on-campus and off-campus options for prospective students who are able to study only on a part-time basis, and for ministers and parish leaders seeking personal and professional growth.

Last updated: 4/25/08 RB

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Saint John's School of Theology·Seminary
Collegeville, Minnesota 56321
Phone: 320-363-2102
Toll-Free: 800-361-8318
Fax: 320-363-3145